Vws 1st Suv Restyled for 2008

Returning as the Touareg 2, Volkswagen's first-ever SUV has been restyled for the 2008 model year. The refined version will be delivered with refreshed exterior styling, an impressive list of safety features and vehicle capabilities, and three powerful engine options. The car will arrive at dealerships later this spring, with the initial price of $39,320.

On the exterior, the Toured 2 has taken design cues from others in the Volkswagen model lineup. The cars updated exterior styling now has the standard VW part - the brand's signature design - but with its new Volkswagen "face"- specifically its chrome front grille. It also has a redesigned aerodynamic and sporty rear spoiler with integrated third brake light. The 17-inch alloy wheels, standard on the VR6 FSI, and 19-inch alloy wheels, standard on the V8 FSI and V10 TDI Twin Turbo models; face lifted headlamps and darkened taillights; enhanced luxury seating system, with standard 12-way power driver's seat; and four all-new exterior color options namely Alaska gray, cranberry, Galapagos and white gold are other distinctive exterior features of the vehicle.

To ensure safety and enhance the vehicle's handling, the Touareg 2 also features a wide array of driving systems. These features include a new rollover sensor system, which records both turning angle and turning speed to determine whether the vehicle will encounter a possible rollover situation or not. If a rollover hazard is present, the rollover sensor system combines with the airbag control device to activate side and side head curtain airbags. Now standard for the 2008 version is a restyled tire pressure monitoring system that informs the driver of any tire pressure loss. The car also features various Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) innovations that include hydraulic braking assist (HBA), rain brake support (RBS), and under steering control logic system (USCLS).

The HBA is a preventative braking pressure build-up system for sudden lifts off of the gas pedal which prepares the vehicle for a sudden stop. The RBS intermittently or periodically wipes the rotors dry when windshield wipers are activated. And the USCLS improves turning behavior during under steering.

In addition to these features, the Touareg 2 comes with a world-first "ABS plus" braking system. This Volkswagen-developed and patented system shortens braking distance for the Touareg 2 by up to 20 percent on loose roadbeds. This is done by pushing a portion of the road material under temporarily locked wheels to form a chock. This innovation is the first of its kind in the world and is a Touareg 2 exclusive feature.

On vehicle capabilities, The Touareg 2 includes a noteworthy array of stuffs. These include a permanent four-wheel drive system, 4XMOTION(TM), which provides improved traction on virtually any surface; a Hill Roll Back Assist and Hill Descent Assist features to stabilize the Touareg 2 during off-road ventures; and the standard independent suspension and improved axle pitching to further allow this powerful vehicle the capability to navigate uneven terrain with confidence. Moreover, the Touareg 2 also boasts 33-degree approach and departure angles, 45-degree climbing capability, 35-degree lateral inclination, adjustable air suspension and up to 23-inch fording depth with the optional air suspension.

This 2008 model year has three engine variations- with both the VR6 FSI and V8 FSI recently upgraded. The cars 3.2-liter VR6 has been replaced with a more powerful 3.6-liter VR6 FSI, which has an additional 40 horsepower, now at 280 hp. The FSI technology has considerably improved the driving performance of the Touareg 2. This significant performance upgrade is accompanied with increased torque with an optimized torque curve. Generating an impressive 350 horsepower, 40 more than the previous V8, and 325 lbs. ft. of torque, the recently upgraded 4.2- liter V8 FSI is the first eight-cylinder Volkswagen engine with unleaded fuel direct injection. The Touareg 2's 5.0-liter V10 TDI Twin Turbo transcends 310 horsepower and a staggering 553 lbs. ft. of torque. All three Touareg 2's offer an incredible 7,716 pounds of towing capacity.

Additional to those standard features include Sirius Satellite Radio, park distance control, power lift gate, new instrument cluster with larger display, and a new silver metallic trim standard on the VR6 FSI.

The 2008 Touareg 2 is available with all-new Lux, Lux Plus and Technology option packages. These packages further enhance the Touareg 2 with additional upgrades. These upgrades including a ten speaker Dynaudio premium sound system, keyless access with a start/stop button, and Bi-Xenon headlights with AFS II, which help improve night time visibility and enhances the driver's ability to negotiate turns by allowing them to see into the curve.